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Karolina Girl

Popularity: #765 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationkah-roh-LEE-nah / /kaɹoʊˈliːnə/

Slavic; Latin

Meaning

Slavic: free woman; Latin: beloved

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Karolina has its roots in the Latin name Carolus, which means "free man." This Latin form evolved from the earlier Greek name Καρλος (Karlos), which itself is derived from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "man" or "warrior." The transition into English occurred through various linguistic adaptations, particularly during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Norman French names, including Charles and its variants, were introduced into the English lexicon.

Historically, the name has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Charles Borromeo, a prominent Catholic saint of the 16th century, and King Charles I of England, who ruled in the 17th century. The feminine form, Karolina, emerged in various cultures, particularly in Slavic regions, during the late Middle Ages. It gained prominence in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of Romanticism and national identities in Europe, which often celebrated traditional names and their historical significance.

Culturally, Karolina has been associated with nobility and virtue, often linked to the ideals of freedom and strength inherent in its etymological roots. The name has appeared in literature and art, symbolizing grace and resilience. In some cultures, diminutive forms such as Karol or Lina are used affectionately, reflecting the name's adaptability across different languages and traditions. Overall, Karolina embodies a rich historical tapestry, reflecting both its linguistic origins and its enduring cultural significance.

Trend Summary

Karolina has seen a steady level of popularity in the United States, particularly among families with Slavic heritage.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Carolina
  • Karoline
  • Karolyn

International Variants

  • Carolina (Spanish)
  • Karolina (Polish)
  • Carole (French)

Famous people named Karolina

Karolina Kurkova is a model best known for her work with Victoria's Secret, her appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and her runway shows for high fashion brands.

Karolina Pliskova is a professional tennis player best known for reaching the finals of the US Open, being ranked world No. 1, and winning multiple WTA titles.

Fictional characters named Karolina

Karolina Dean is a fictional character from the comic book series Runaways. She is a member of a group of teenagers who discover their parents are supervillains and band together to fight against them.

Karolina is a fictional character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Runaways. She is a mutant with the ability to manipulate light and energy, playing a crucial role in her team's adventures.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Karolina was first seen in the United States in 1917. Karolina has ranked as high as #1198 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Illinois, Texas, New York, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Karolina has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Karolina (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 46
35%
CA 36
27%
FL 18
14%
IL 13
10%
AZ 8
6%
CT 5
4%
NY 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19175
19185
19205
19635
19655
19737
19756
19766
19776
19787
19796
19807
198111
198213
198315
198418
198517
198612
198724
198825
198934
199034
199127
199256
199386
1994100
199588
199698
1997108
199898
1999103
2000112
2001116
2002125
2003137
2004162
2005156
2006165
2007190
2008156
2009170
2010166
2011124
2012118
2013116
2014134
2015126
2016116
2017124
2018104
2019114
2020128
2021107
2022144
2023165
2024185